Hong Kong lifted its mask mandate on Wednesday, saying coronavirus infections are under control.

The measure was introduced in July 2020 amid a spike in new cases. It required people to wear masks in public, while violators were subject to fines.

Local media criticized the measure, saying such mandates were scrapped in many countries and Hong Kong could be the last place with such a requirement.

Masks will no longer be required outdoors or indoors.

On Wednesday morning, people went without masks at a railway station in central Hong Kong.

One said walking with a mask is uncomfortable, so the lifting of the mandate was long-awaited. Another said Hong Kong should have followed the moves of the international community sooner.

Hong Kong's economy has been hit by the pandemic.

Chief Executive John Lee told reporters on Tuesday that with the removal of the mandate, the city will return to normal and go all out for economic development.

But Lee said those in charge of high-risk places such as hospitals may ask people to wear masks to protect public health.

The government has controlled protests against it by such means as banning gatherings as an anti-coronavirus measure. But observers say authorities will likely continue to crack down on pro-democracy movements without such restrictions.